What is a Kalanchoe?
The Kalanchoe, also known as Widow’s-thrill, is a vibrant, low-maintenance succulent prized for its long-lasting blooms and thick, fleshy leaves. A member of the Crassulaceae (stonecrop) family, this genus includes around 120 species of tropical succulents, primarily native to Madagascar and tropical Africa, according to Britannica.
Is Kalanchoe Easy to Care For?
To thrive, Kalanchoe needs bright, indirect sunlight to support healthy growth and flowering. Its drought tolerance and ability to bloom multiple times a year make it a favorite among both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Did a Kalanchoe Really Go To Space?
The Kalanchoe isn’t just a pretty face in the plant world, it’s also a space traveler. In 1979, a species of Kalanchoe was sent on a Soviet Salyut 1 space station resupply mission, making it one of the first plants to ever go to space. Apparently, even astronauts need a bit of greenery to keep them grounded— figuratively speaking.
According to Smithsonian Magazine, cosmonauts Valeri Ryumin and Vladimir Lyakhov were battling loneliness and stress during their six-month mission, so a care package from Earth was sent, complete with flowering tulips and a mature Kalanchoe.
The duo was so uplifted by their new botanical companion—which they affectionately nicknamed “Life Tree”—that they made sure it was always visible during their TV broadcasts. Even in zero gravity, plants bring a sense of home.
The Kalanchoe’s cosmic journey didn’t end there. In 1982, cosmonaut Valentin Lebedev on Salyut 7 found gardening to be his ultimate stress relief, writing in his diary: “I water the plants regularly, happily. I spoil them; I am too generous with water.”
It's a timeless reminder that whether you’re in a space station or a tiny apartment, plants can bring comfort and joy— just maybe don’t get too carried away with the watering.
Why Grow Kalanchoe?
Growing Kalanchoe indoors offers several benefits:
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Easy to care for – Thrives with minimal watering and bright light.
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Long-lasting blooms – Flowers can last for weeks, adding color to your space.
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Drought-tolerant – Stores water in its leaves, reducing the need for frequent watering.
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Compact and versatile – Ideal for small spaces, desks, and windowsills.
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Hardy growth – Requires little maintenance beyond basic care.
How Much Light Does Kalanchoe Need Indoors?
Most Kalanchoe varieties need 6–8 hours of bright, indirect light each day. A sunny windowsill (south or west-facing) is ideal, but not every home has the perfect window.
For optimal growth indoors:
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Place your Kalanchoe in a south- or west-facing window to maximize natural light.
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If your space lacks sufficient sunlight, supplement with a full-spectrum grow light like the Aspect™ Pendant Grow Light to ensure consistent, healthy growth.
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If your plant starts to stretch or become leggy, it’s a sign that it needs more light. Move it closer to a window or add a grow light to help maintain compact, strong growth.
💡 Pro tip: Set your grow light on a timer (included with Soltech grow lights) to mimic the sun’s cycle. Your kalanchoe will thank you.
How Often Should You Water a Kalanchoe?
Kalanchoe is a succulent, so less is more when it comes to watering.
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Check the soil first: Water only when the top 1–2 inches are dry.
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Frequency: Typically every 2–3 weeks indoors.
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Drainage is key: Always use pots with drainage holes and empty saucers after watering.
If the leaves feel soft or wrinkled, your plant probably needs water. Yellow or mushy leaves? That’s a sign of overwatering.
Image: @ViversErnest
What Soil is Best for Kalanchoe?
The right soil mix keeps your Kalanchoe thriving.
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Use a cactus or succulent soil for aeration and drainage.
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If you only have regular potting soil, mix in perlite or sand to prevent soggy roots.
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Repot every 1–2 years with fresh soil to refresh nutrients.
We love using Rosy Soil’s Cactus & Succulent Mix. We even used it during a Soltech terrarium succulent workshop, and months later, the plants are still thriving!
Image: @rosysoil
What Temperature and Humidity Does Kalanchoe Prefer?
Think warm and dry, similar to its native Madagascar habitat.
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Best range: 60–80°F (16–27°C).
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Avoid: Drafty windows or temps below 50°F (10°C).
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Humidity: Not required. Kalanchoe actually prefers drier air.
If you put your plant outdoors in the summer, remember to bring it back in before fall nights get too chilly. Plant Desert recommends bringing succulents, like Kalanchoe, inside when "temperature starts to dip below 45°F (7-8°C)."
How to Encourage Blooms
One of the joys of growing Kalanchoe is its repeat blooms. Indoors, you can encourage flowers with a little trick:
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Give it 14 hours of darkness each night for six weeks (cover it or place it in a dark room).
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During the day, provide bright, indirect light with a grow light like the Vita™ Grow Bulb.
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Reduce watering slightly to mimic seasonal changes.
Deadhead spent flowers (using a sharp, sterile knife or scissors) to redirect energy into new blooms. With this care, your Kalanchoe can put on a floral show year after year.
💡 To-Note: In its native tropical habitat, Kalanchoe can flower almost year-round, but as a container houseplant, it typically blooms from late winter to late spring.
Image: @la_moritak
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning keeps your Kalanchoe compact and healthy:
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Snip off dead or yellowing leaves.
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Trim leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
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Cut back flower stalks once blooms fade.
Kalanchoe is also easy to propagate! Just take a stem cutting, let it dry for a few days, and plant it in succulent soil.
Common Problems and Solutions
Like most plants, Kalanchoe has a few quirks:
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Yellowing leaves: Usually from overwatering. Let soil dry more.
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No blooms: Needs longer dark periods at night.
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Pests (aphids, mealybugs, spider mites): Wipe leaves and treat with neem oil. See our full guide on Common Houseplant Pests & How to Treat Them.
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Leggy growth: Add supplemental light with a full-spectrum Grove™ Bar Light, which is perfect for succulents.
Final Thoughts: Growing Kalanchoe Indoors
Kalanchoe is one of the easiest flowering houseplants to grow, bringing vibrant color, charm, and low-maintenance care to your home. With bright light, minimal watering, and occasional pruning, it will reward you with blooms season after season.
Ready to give your Kalanchoe (and other houseplants) the perfect light? Explore our full grow light collection to find the right fit for your space.
